Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Fifth Edition
Copyright 2010
Air Diffusion Council
The purpose for which the Air Diffusion Council was formed, as stated in its Certification of
Incorporation, is to promote and further the interests of manufacturers of air distribution equip-
ment, more specifically, flexible air ducts and related products, and the interests of the general
public in the areas of safety, quality, efficiency and energy conservation, and to this end,
develop programs approved and supported by the membership that legally promote and further
these interests, such as:
To encourage, assist and support the maintenance and development of credible and
effective industry standards for the installation, use and performance of flexible duct
products; to promote the use of those standards by various code bodies, government
agencies; architects, engineers, heating and air conditioning contractors, etc. so that
the best interests of the public may be served.
To collect and disseminate lawful information of value to members of the Council, the
general public and others and to act as a clearing house for all such information, as
well as providing a means by which the interests of the individual members of the
Council can be protected, defended, supported more vigorously and effectively in
legal association with others who share those interests.
1 Introduction .................................................................................. 1
1.1 Purpose ...................................................................... 1
1.2 Scope ......................................................................... 1
1.3 Units of Measurement ................................................ 1
1.4 Classification .............................................................. 1
References
ACCA Manual D - Residential Duct Design
ASHRAE 120 - Method of Testing to Determine Flow Resistance of HVAC Ducts and Fittings
ASTM C177 - Thermal Conductivity of Materials by Means of the Guarded Hot Plate
ASTM E477 - Duct Liner Materials and Prefabricated Silencers for Acoustical and Airflow Performance
ASTM C518 - Test Method for Steady-State Thermal Transmission Properties by Means of the Heat Flow Meter
NFPA Standard 90B - Warm Air Heating and Air Conditioning Systems
NFPA Standard 255 - Method of Test of Surface Burning Characteristics of Building Materials
UL Standard 181B - Closure Systems for Use With Flexible Air Ducts and Air Connectors
This standard sets forth specific methods of Flexible ducts shall be categorized as either Air Ducts
classifying, testing and marking flexible air ducts for or Air Connectors in accordance with testing and listing
indoor comfort heating, ventilating and air conditioning requirements in Table 1. Flexible ducts will appear in
applications. This standard sets forth instructions for one of the following styles (see Figures 1 - 5):
properly installing flexible ducts in air distribution
systems. NM-IL Non Metallic, Insulated lined
with nonporous inner core
1.2 Scope
NM-UN Non Metallic, Uninsulated
This standard includes requirements for both insulated
and non-insulated flexible ducts. No attempt is made in
this standard to designate a specific material or M-I Metallic, Insulated
construction.
Made Air Ducts and Air Connectors, UL 181. 1/2 in. w.g. [125 Pa] 1000 fpm [5.1 m/s]
b. Such ducts shall be installed in accordance with 1 in. w.g. [250 Pa] 2500 fpm [12.7 m/s]
the conditions of their listing.
1.3 Units of Measurement 2 in. w.g. [500 Pa] 4000 fpm [20.3 m/s]
This standard is written in inch-pound (I-P) units 3 in. w.g. [750 Pa] Over 4000 fpm
followed by SI units in brackets [ ]. Metric symbols [20.3 m/s]
and units are consistent with SI policy, however some
4 in. w.g. [1000 Pa]
deviations have been taken in conversion values and
rules-of-rounding. Examples of some deviations are:
6 in. w.g. [1500 Pa]
Diameter conversions are based on 25 mm/in. dia.
A 12 in. duct diameter converts to 300 mm. 10 in. w.g. [2500 Pa]
Length conversions are rounded to the nearest 0.1 m.
A 14 ft. duct length converts to 4.3 m.
Linear dimensions are rounded to the nearest 1 mm.
A 1 in. duct strap converts to 38 mm.
Pressure conversions use 250 Pa/inch w.g.
A pressure of 6 in. w.g. converts to 1500 Pa.
Flexible ducts conforming to this standard shall be Factory made air ducts and air connectors shall be
tested, listed, reported and certified as applicable, in tested and listed in accordance with Underwriters
accordance with the requirements of this standard. Laboratories Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and
Testing requirements by category are shown in Table Air Connectors, UL 181. The UL Heating, Cooling,
1. Ventilating and Cooking Equipment Directory
publishes such listings.
Tension x x Footnote 2
Table 2
For comparison purpose only. Not for design. For detailed design data, refer to manufacturers product engineering
data.
Where: R = Thermal resistance (hr-ft2 - F/Btu) Friction loss - inches of water gauge per 100 feet [Pa/
[(m2C)/W] rounded to the nearest 0.1 m] of duct, shall be plotted on the horizontal axis, and
Air volume - CFM [L/s] on the vertical axis. For
th = duct insulation wall thickness (in.) convenience of the user, corresponding velocities may
[mm] rounded to the nearest 1/16 also be plotted. For purposes of recommended
inch [2 mm]. performance values in Table 2, a 12" [300 mm]
nominal internal duct size, tested at 1000 fpm [5.1 m/s]
k = measured apparent thermal velocity shall be used.
conductivity (Btu-in/hr-ft2 - F)
[W/(mC)] 90 Bends:
The insulations thermal conductivity is measured Friction loss coefficient (Co) - dimensionless
according to ASTM C518 or ASTM C177 at 75F [24 coefficient, shall be plotted on the vertical axis, and
C] mean temperature. Installed insulation thickness is the internal duct diameter shall be plotted on the
5 determined in the following manner (see note 1 and 2 horizontal axis. Each R/D value tested shall be plotted.
below). For purpose of recommended performance values for
12" [300 mm] nominal I.D. duct in Table 2, a loss
{ }
coefficient of
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Radiated Noise:
There are specifications external to this standard Water Vapor Transmission Rates of Vapor
based on specific properties of component materials. Barriers (Retarders). The water vapor transmission
When required, data should be determined and rate of vapor barriers shall be determined in
reported in accordance with the following procedure. accordance with ASTM E96, Procedure A. Specimens
for test shall be selected in the following manner. A
Permeance. Water vapor permeance of the jacketing sample of flexible duct shall be selected from
material is applicable only to insulated flexible duct. production material which has been stored in its
Permeance shall be tested and reported in accordance standard package a minimum of twenty-four (24)
with Section 3.6 Water Vapor Transmission Rates of hours. Specimens 12 in. x 12 in. [300 mm x 300 mm]
Vapor Barriers. shall be cut from each at the approximate center of the
sample duct.
Dimensions and Tolerances. Dimensions and
tolerances of flexible ducts shall be within the WVTR specimens will then be prepared and tested in
tolerance listed on the manufacturers data sheets. accordance with procedures outlined in ASTM E96,
Length shall not be less than advertised nominal when Procedure A.
measured fully extended in accordance with Section
3.6 Length Measurement. The permeance of the material shall be reported as the
average of the three determinations tested. The results
Sampling. Unless otherwise stated in the purchase are to be reported in U.S. perms [ng/(sm2Pa)].
document, quality records maintained by the
manufacturer will suffice in the relationship between Length Measurement. A length of flexible duct which
the purchaser and manufacturer. If they mutually agree has been packaged in compressed form shall be
7 to accepts lots on the basis of the quality control measured with a tape after fully extending the duct.
records, no further sampling is required. Measure while maintaining the tension.
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Listing Mark and Label Information. All ducts shall Upon request, the manufacturer shall certify that its
be marked, labeled or printed at maximum intervals of product(s) conform to the requirements of this
10 ft. [3.0 m] or fraction thereof. Labels shall contain at standard.
least the following information.
a. Identifying mark of the listing agency Seal of Certification. A mark separate and distinct
b. Manufacturers identification from the ADC label. This seal signifies third-party
c. Maximum Positive and Negative pressure verification to a specific performance requirement of
rating this standard by an ADC Recognized Testing
d. Maximum Rated Velocity Laboratory.
e. R-Value (applicable to insulated ducts only)
f. Classification of Surface Burning
Characteristics (Class 0 or 1)
g. Identification as either an Air Duct or Air
Connector
but not all inclusive, are as follows: direction changes (snaking) allowed between support
joints will have serious effects on system performance
a. Shall not be used for vertical risers serving due to the increased resistance each introduces (See
more than two stories in height. Fig 6 & 7). Use the minimum length of flexible duct to
make connections (See Section 4.5). Excess length of
b. Shall not be used in systems with entering air flexible duct shall not be installed to allow for possible
temperature higher than 250F[121C]. future relocations of air terminal devices.
c. Shall be installed in accordance with the Avoid installations where exposure to direct sunlight
conditions of their listing. can occur, e.g. turbine vents, sky lights, canopy
windows, etc. Prolonged exposure to sunlight will
d. When installed in a fire-rated floor/roof ceiling cause degradation of the vapor barrier. Direct
assembly, ducts shall conform with the design exposure to UV light from a source lamp installed
of the tested fire-resistive assembly. within the HVAC system will cause degradation of
some inner core/liner materials.
e. Shall be interrupted at the immediate area of
operation of electric, fossil fuel or solar Terminal devices shall be supported independently of
energy collection heat sources to meet listed the flexible duct.
equipment clearances specified.
Repair torn or damaged vapor barrier/jacket with duct
tape listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B. If internal
core is penetrated, replace flexible duct or treat as a
connection.
Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.4 Installation and Usage Do not bend ducts across a sharp corner of building
materials such as joists or truss supports.
Install ducts fully extended. Do not install in the
compressed state or use excess length as this will The bend radius at the center line of ducts shall be
noticeably increase friction losses. (Refer to Section equal to or greater than one duct diameter (See
4.5 for more specific information regarding pressure Figures 8 and 11). Sharper bends increase pressure
loss and duct sizing.) drop significantly and reduce airflow.
4.5 Duct Sizing and Routing If a flexible duct is not fully extended, the
friction rate increases proportionally with the
The combined friction and dynamic pressure losses compression (See Fig. 10).
shall be taken into consideration to properly size any
duct. Pressure losses caused by the roughness of the When a flexible duct is fully extended, it is
duct wall resisting air movement are know as friction said to have no more than 4% longitudinal
losses. Pressure losses when air flow changes compression and the published friction rate
direction, as caused by bends or when air flows across may be used for duct sizing calculations (0 -
other system components, are known as dynamic 4% = 1 x Friction Rate).
losses.
For 15% longitudinal compression the friction
Key points to prevent undersizing or oversizing of rate can increase by a factor of two (15% = 2
flexible ducts and achieve the designed air delivery x Friction Rate).
performance:
For longitudinal compression of 30% the
a. Use a proven method of duct sizing, one that friction rate can increase as much as four
has taken into consideration both friction and times (30% = 4 x Friction Rate).
dynamic losses.
Install ducts extended to their fullest length Figure 10 - Compressed duct (not fully ex-
without compression. Due to the helical tended) increases friction rate.
configuration of flexible duct inner cores,
excess longitudinal compression can
dramatically affect the pressure drop.
Installation Requirements . . . continued
d. Keep bends greater than or equal to one (1) Care shall be taken to minimize sagging or
duct diameter bend radius. snaking of the duct between supports and
minimize pressure loss caused by excessive
direction changes to the airflow.
Figure 13
Figure 11 12
Figure 12
Figure 14
Installation Requirements . . . continued
Figure 16
13
A 180-degree offset has pressure drop equal
to about forty (40) lineal feet of flexible duct.
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Figure 15
Figure 17
Installation Requirements . . . continued
Duct fittings and any bends and turns in flexible duct The worksheet for determining the total pressure drop
all produce a resistance to airflow. This resistance of the duct run depicted in Figure 18 will look like this:
creates a pressure drop measured in inches water
column (IWC) which is physically equivalent to the Entrance fitting = 35 ft.
pressure drop produced by a straight section of duct. Total duct length = 14 ft.
So the total pressure drop for any duct run equals the 2 x 45 bends (2 x 10) = 20 ft.
sum of the fitting pressure drops and the pressure drop 1 x 90 bend (1 x 20) = 20 ft.
of the straight duct section. Exit fitting = 35 ft.
To determine the correct duct size, take into account Total Equivalent Length = 124 ft.
the total equivalent length of the duct run, including
entrance and exit losses from the plenum to the duct Although the distance from plenum to terminal end in
and from the duct into the terminal device, the added this example is approximately 12 feet, the total
length due to any bends, and the total length of the equivalent length used to determine the correct duct
duct itself. diameter would be 124 feet.
Use ACCA Manual D (App. 3) equivalent length values The equivalent length values for bends & fittings
for bends and fittings. represented above are default values from ACCA
Manual D and based on 900 fpm at 0.08 IWC/100 for
A typical duct run from plenum to terminal device is supply ducts and 700 fpm at 0.08 IWC/100 for return
illustrated in Figure 18. ducts.
14
Figure 18
Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.6 Supporting Flexible Duct Hanger or saddle material in contact with the flexible
duct shall be of sufficient width to prevent any
Flexible duct shall be supported at manufacturers restriction of the internal diameter of the duct when
recommended intervals, but at no greater distance the weight of the supported section rests on the
than 4 [1.2 m]. Supporting shall be provided so that hanger or saddle material. In no case will the material
the maximum centerline sag is " per foot [42 mm per contacting the flexible duct be less than 1 [38 mm]
meter] of spacing between supports (See Fig 19). A wide (See Fig 21).
connection to rigid duct or equipment may be
considered a support joint.
15 Figure 21
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Figure 19
Figure 22
Factory installed suspension systems integral to the Support the duct between a metal connection and
flexible duct are an acceptable alternative hanging bend by allowing the duct to extend straight for at least
method when manufacturers recommended proce- one duct diameter before making the bend. This will
dures are followed. avoid possible damage of the flexible duct by the edge
of the metal collar and allow for efficient air flow and
fitting performance (See Fig 25).
Figure 23
Figure 24
Note:
Factory-made air ducts may not be used for vertical risers
in air duct systems serving more than two adjacent stories. Figure 26
Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.7 Connecting, Joining and Splicing Sheet metal sleeves used for joining two sections of
Flexible Ducts flexible duct with plain ends shall be a minimum of 4
inches [100 mm] in length and beaded on each end.
All connections, joints and splices shall be made in Beads are optional for sleeves when using metal
accordance with the manufacturers installation worm-gear clamps or when joining metallic flexible
instructions. ducts using sheet metal screws.
Standardized installation instructions conforming to the Flexible ducts secured with nonmetallic clamps shall
connecting and sealing requirements of the national be limited to 6 inches w.g. [1500 Pa] positive pressure.
building codes and this standard are shown in
Sections 4.7.1 through 4.7.3.
Connections - Using Tape and Fasteners Splices - Using Tape and Fasteners
1. After desired length is determined, cut completely 1. Fold back jacket and insulation from core. Butt two
around and through duct with knife or scissors. Cut cores together on a 4" [100 mm] min. length metal
wire with wire cutters. Fold back jacket and insulation. sleeve.
18
NOTES:
1. For uninsulated air ducts and air connectors, disregard references to insulation and jacket.
2. Use beaded sheet metal fittings and sleeves when using nonmetallic clamps.
3. Use tapes listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-FX.
4. Nonmetallic clamps shall be listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-C.
Use of nonmetallic clamps shall be limited to 6 in. w.g. [1500 Pa] positive pressure.
Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.7.2 Alternate Installation Instructions for Air Ducts and Air Connectors - Nonmetallic with
Plain Ends
Step 1
After desired length is determined, cut completely around and
through duct with knife or scissors. Cut wire with wire cutters.
Pull back jacket and insulation from core.
Step 2
Apply mastic approximately 2" [50 mm] wide uniformly around
the collar of the metal fitting or over the ends of a 4" [100 mm]
min. length metal sleeve. Reference data on mastic container
for application rate, application thickness, cure times and
handling information.
Step 3
Slide at least 2" [50 mm] of core over the fitting or sleeve ends
and past the bead.
19
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
Step 4
Secure core to collar with a clamp applied past the bead.
Secure cores to sleeve ends with 2 clamps applied past the
beads.
Step 5
Pull jacket and insulation back over core ends. Tape jacket(s)
with at least 2 wraps of duct tape. A clamp may be used in
place of or in combination with the duct tape.
NOTES:
1. For uninsulated air ducts and air connectors, disregard references to insulation and jacket.
2. Use beaded sheet metal fittings and sleeves when using nonmetallic clamps.
3. Use mastics listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-M on container.
4. Use tapes listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-FX.
5. Nonmetallic clamps shall be listed and labeled in accordance with standard UL 181B and marked 181B-C.
Use of nonmetallic clamps shall be limited to 6 in. w.g. [1500 Pa] positive pressure.
Installation Requirements . . . continued
4.7.3 Installation Instruction for Air Ducts and Air Connectors - Metallic with Plain Ends
Connections and Splices - Using Tape or Mastic and Sheet Metal Screws
1. After cutting duct to desired length, fold back jacket 4. Secure to collar/sleeve using #8 sheet metal
and insulation exposing core. Trim core ends squarely screws spaced equally around circumference. Use 3
using suitable metal shears. Determine optional screws for diameters under 12" [300 mm] and 5
sealing method (Steps 2 or 5) before proceeding. screws for diameters 12" [300 mm] and over.
20
NOTES:
1. For uninsulated air ducts and air connectors, disregard references to insulation and jacket.
2. Use mastics listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B and marked181B-M on container.
3. Use tapes listed and labeled to Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-FX.
4. Nonmetallic clamps shall be listed and labeled in accordance with Standard UL 181B and marked 181B-C.
5
Typical Accessories
5.1 Types
21
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
22
Flexible ducts cannot be considered noncombustible, Flexible duct has inherently low leakage properties due
except metallic non-insulated ducts, but they are to the impervious nature of the materials used as the
generally regarded as limited-combustible. The UL air barrier. These give the flexible duct itself leakage
181 Safety Standard for Factory-Made Air Ducts and rates less than of 1% of air volume when proper
Air Connectors is used to investigate safety connections are made to other system components.
performance as referenced in the applicable
International Codes (ICC), Uniform Mechanical Code A higher than expected leakage rate can occur at
(IAPMO), the applicable National Fire Protection Code/ connections if improper materials or careless work
Standards (NFPA), and various other state and local practices are used. To assure a low leakage rate for
codes. flexible duct systems, the following is required:
The UL 181 Standard has been used for more than 40 a Reference applicable industry manuals
years for evaluating safety. The testing procedures (SMACNA, NAIMA) for making round tap-ins
were developed by taking a wide range of safety- into and sealing fitting joints to rigid ducts,
related installation situations into consideration, plenums, etc.
including structural integrity and flammability
characteristics. Four (4) fire tests are used to b. Make flexible duct connections/splices in
investigate the flammability and burning characteristics accordance with the manufacturers
of flexible duct as follows: recommended installation instructions or this
Standard.
a. The Surface Burning Characteristics (Flame
Spread and Smoke Development) for both c. Seal flexible duct connections with sealing
interior and exterior of duct using the 25 ft. materials listed and labeled to Standard UL
[7.6 m] tunnel test method that is published in 181B. Mechanically secure connections with
UL 723, the American Society of Testing and approved clamping material.
23 Materials (ASTM E84), the National Fire
Protection Association (NFPA 255) and the d. Repair any rip, tear or hole in the air barrier
American National Standards Institute (ANSI). using materials listed and labeled to Standard
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
The thermal resistance (R-value) requirements for air Flexible ducts complying with this standard are listed
distribution ducts can vary depending on the energy to the UL 181 Safety Standard for Factory-Made Air
code being enforced. For insulated ducts, the minimum Ducts and Air Connectors and shall be installed per
thermal value in conformance with this standard is R- the conditions of their listing.
4.2 [0.74]. Uninsulated ducts have no R-value rating.
To accommodate the varying levels of R-values Alterations made in the field, such as applying
required by the building codes, ADC manufacturers additional overwraps of insulation or barriers, adding
commonly offer insulated flexible duct with R-value spray-foam insulation, surface painting, applying
ratings of 4.2 [0.74], 6.0 [1.06] and 8.0 [1.41]. internal sanitizers or spray sealants, etc. may
compromise the fire safety performance of the duct
Thermal resistance (R-value) for this standard is and void the manufacturers listing and/or product
determined in accordance with Thermal Performance warranty.
in Section 3.4. The value, excluding any film
resistance, is determined on flat sections of insulation
only at installed duct wall thickness and in accordance 6.6 Exposure to UV Radiation and Sunlight
with ASTM C518 at 75F [24C] mean temperature. R-
values based on dynamic thermal tests are not part of Some polymeric materials used to manufacture
this standard. nonmetallic flexible ducts will degrade with prolonged
exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. UV radiation
6.4 Certification of Thermal Performance occurs naturally in sunlight or can be artificially
generated by specialized lamps.
For credence, ADC maintains a third-party verification
of R-value ratings in accordance with Thermal The outer barrier (jacket) may degrade if ducts are
Performance in Section 3.4 and Certification in installed outside in direct sunlight or within attics, crawl
Section 3.8 of this standard. An adjunct testing and spaces, etc. where direct sunlight enters, e.g. turbine
24
follow-up program is established with Underwriters vents, sky lights, canopy windows, etc.
Laboratories Inc. for flexible ducts listed and labeled to
Standard UL 181. This program includes testing, The inner core (liner) may degrade if ducts are
Thermal Performance
Notes
ADC Flexible Duct Performance & Installation Standards, 5th Edition
25